Imagine succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a rich, savory-sweet Korean BBQ sauce, all cooked to perfection alongside fluffy rice in a single pot. This isn’t just a dream – it’s the reality of these incredible Instant Pot Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs! This recipe makes preparing a whole, flavorful meal surprisingly simple, allowing you to enjoy gourmet taste with minimal fuss.
ULTIMATE INSTANT POT KOREAN BBQ COUNTRY STYLE RIBS & RICE
Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something exciting, tender, and incredibly satisfying, but without spending hours in the kitchen? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our Instant Pot Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. These aren’t just ribs; they’re a complete culinary experience, offering melt-in-your-mouth pork infused with classic Korean BBQ zest, alongside perfectly steamed rice. It’s an entire meal crafted simultaneously in your Instant Pot, simplifying cleanup and bringing exotic flavors right to your dinner table. Forget complicated techniques and long baking times; with your pressure cooker, tender, juicy ribs are just moments away.
WHAT ARE COUNTRY STYLE RIBS? UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY
If you’re new to them, you might be surprised to learn that “country-style ribs” aren’t actually ribs in the traditional sense. It can be a bit confusing given the name, but these cuts are truly a hidden gem in the butcher’s case. Unlike classic pork ribs, which come from the rib cage, country-style ribs are typically cut from the shoulder or loin of the hog. They are far meatier and often more forgiving to cook than their traditional counterparts.
When you see bone-in country-style ribs, the bone usually visible is actually a section of the shoulder blade, not a rib bone. This means these “ribs” feature a delicious combination of tender loin meat, similar to a pork chop, and often some blade meat, depending on how they are butchered. This blend gives them a rich flavor and texture that holds up beautifully to various cooking methods. Moreover, country-style ribs are frequently more affordable than full slabs of baby back or spare ribs, making them an excellent choice for a budget-friendly yet indulgent meal. Their robust nature makes them perfectly suited for slow cooking methods like in a crock pot, or for the rapid, tenderizing magic of a pressure cooker, ensuring they become incredibly tender and flavorful.
WHY THE INSTANT POT FOR COUNTRY STYLE RIBS?
The Instant Pot isn’t just a kitchen gadget; it’s a game-changer, especially when it comes to dishes that traditionally require long cooking times. For country-style ribs, it transforms hours of slow cooking into mere minutes of active preparation, followed by efficient pressure cooking. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the meat incredibly quickly, ensuring those “fall-off-the-bone” results we all crave, every single time. Moreover, the Instant Pot excels at locking in moisture and flavor, preventing the ribs from drying out and allowing them to soak up all the delicious Korean BBQ sauce. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pot capability: cooking both the ribs and the rice simultaneously, saving you time, effort, and a significant amount of cleanup. It’s the ultimate solution for a quick, delicious, and impressive weeknight meal.
KEY INGREDIENTS FOR UNFORGETTABLE KOREAN BBQ RIBS:
Crafting these delectable Instant Pot Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs requires a few simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and achieving that perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Country Style Pork Ribs: The star of our dish! Choose bone-in or boneless, but bone-in often offers more flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the pork and enhancing its natural taste.
- Five Spice Seasoning: This aromatic blend brings a distinctive, warm, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the Korean BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Oil: Any high-smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil works well for browning the ribs.
- Korean BBQ Sauce: The heart of the Korean flavor. A good quality bottled sauce saves time, but feel free to use your favorite homemade version.
- Long Grain Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious sauces. Rinsing is key for fluffy results!
- Water: For cooking the rice.
- Sliced Green Onion: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a subtle oniony bite to finish the dish.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: MAKING INSTANT POT KOREAN BBQ COUNTRY STYLE RIBS
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this amazing one-pot meal:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Ribs
Begin by patting your country style pork ribs dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear. Generously season all sides of the ribs with kosher salt and five spice seasoning. Take your time to rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 2: Brown the Ribs (Optional but Recommended)
Set your 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Once the display shows “Hot,” add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the insert. Brown the ribs in batches, about two at a time, for 3-4 minutes per side. Browning creates a beautiful crust and deepens the flavor, a crucial step for truly outstanding ribs. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will steam the ribs instead of browning them. Add more oil if needed between batches.
Pro Tip: While browning is optional for speed, it significantly enhances the depth of flavor and texture of the ribs. If you have the extra few minutes, it’s a step worth taking!
Step 3: Arrange Ribs and Sauce
Once all the ribs are beautifully browned, turn off the Instant Pot. Carefully remove any excess oil from the bottom of the insert to prevent a greasy final product. Return all the browned ribs to the bottom of the pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour about half of your bottle of Korean BBQ sauce generously over the ribs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 4: Prepare Rice (For One-Pot Cooking)
If you’re opting for the full one-pot meal experience, you’ll need a small, round, pressure-safe insert that fits snugly into your Instant Pot. Many home cooks use springform inserts lined with nonstick aluminum foil to prevent leaks, or you can purchase specialized steamer inserts made for the Instant Pot (affiliate link). The crucial step for fluffy rice is to rinse your long grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice with 1 cup of water in your chosen insert and gently stir.
Step 5: Assemble and Seal the Instant Pot
Carefully place the rice insert directly on top of the ribs in the Instant Pot. Ensure there’s adequate space around the insert for proper pressure buildup. Secure the Instant Pot lid, twisting it into the locked position. Crucially, turn the steam release valve on the top to the “Sealing” position.
Step 6: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Press the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” on older models) button, set the pressure to high, and adjust the cooking time to 25 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking countdown begins. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This natural release is vital for tender ribs, allowing the meat to relax and reabsorb juices. After 15 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. The float valve will drop, indicating it’s safe to open the lid.
Step 7: Fluff the Rice and Retrieve Ribs
Upon opening the lid, you’ll find perfectly cooked rice. Fluff it gently with a fork. Note that the rice may have a slightly orange hue from the BBQ sauce steam, which imparts a wonderful, subtle flavor. Carefully remove the extremely hot rice insert. Beneath it, your country-style ribs will be incredibly tender, possibly falling apart as you lift them.
To enhance the rice, stir in some freshly sliced green onions for added color and a mild, fresh flavor.
Step 8: Broil for Caramelization (Optional but Highly Recommended)
This final step truly elevates the ribs. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil. Carefully transfer the cooked ribs onto the sheet. Preheat your oven broiler to its high setting. Pour the remaining Korean BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated for a sticky, glazed finish. Place the baking sheet directly under the broiler for just a couple of minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your gloriously tender and caramelized Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs over the flavored rice. Garnish generously with additional sliced green onion for freshness and visual appeal. This complete meal is ready to be devoured!
TIPS FOR INSTANT POT RIB SUCCESS
- Don’t Skip the Sear (if possible): While the recipe notes browning is optional, searing creates a Maillard reaction that adds incredible depth of flavor to the ribs. It’s truly worth the extra few minutes.
- Natural Release is Key: For tender meats like ribs, a natural pressure release (NPR) is preferred over a quick release (QR). NPR allows the meat to rest and reabsorb juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
- Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing long grain rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy and ensuring fluffy results. Don’t skip this step!
- Check Your Insert Fit: If cooking rice in a pot-in-pot method, ensure your insert is oven/pressure-safe and that there’s enough space around it for the Instant Pot to come to pressure properly.
- Broiler Watch: When broiling, stay by your oven! Broilers can quickly burn food. A minute or two is often all it takes to get that perfect caramelization.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust the amount of five-spice seasoning to your preference. If you like more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
STORING AND REHEATING LEFTOVERS
These Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs are fantastic as leftovers! Store any uneaten ribs and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm the ribs in a microwave or, for best results, in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if they seem dry. Reheat rice in the microwave with a tiny sprinkle of water to restore moisture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: Can I use boneless country-style ribs?
A: Absolutely! Boneless country-style ribs work just as well and may even cook slightly faster. Adjust browning time as needed, but the pressure cooking time should remain similar for tender results.
Q: What if I don’t have five-spice seasoning?
A: While five-spice adds a unique touch, you can substitute it with a blend of ground ginger, garlic powder, and a touch of cinnamon or allspice for a similar aromatic profile.
Q: Can I make this without the rice in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Simply omit the rice insert. You’ll still get perfectly cooked ribs. You can then cook rice separately on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
Q: My rice turned out a little orange/brown. Is that normal?
A: Yes, it is! This is due to the flavorful steam from the Korean BBQ sauce below making its way into the rice. It’s completely safe and actually imparts a lovely flavor to the rice.
Q: Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?
A: While this recipe is specifically for Korean BBQ, you can certainly experiment with other flavors! A classic American BBQ sauce or a smoky chipotle sauce could also yield delicious results, though the overall flavor profile would change.
Q: How do I know if my Instant Pot has come to pressure?
A: Your Instant Pot will usually make a “ping” sound and display a countdown timer once it has reached pressure. The float valve on the lid will also pop up.
Q: My ribs aren’t “fall-off-the-bone” tender. What went wrong?
A: Ensure your Instant Pot reached full pressure for the entire duration and that you allowed for the recommended natural pressure release. Sometimes, older or tougher cuts of meat might require an extra 5-10 minutes of pressure cooking time.
WANT MORE DELICIOUS RIB RECIPES?
- How to Grill the Best Pork Ribs
- The Best Crock Pot BBQ Ribs
- Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
- Grilled Honey Orange Ribs
- Korean Style Sticky Potatoes
- Crock Pot BBQ Country Style Ribs
Instant Pot Korean BBQ Country Style Ribs
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate this recipe
Ingredients
For the ribs:
- 2 pounds country style pork ribs
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon five spice seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- 1 bottle Korean BBQ sauce
- sliced green onion, for serving
For the rice:
- 1 cup long grain rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
For the ribs:
- Season ribs with salt and five spice seasoning. Make sure to coat all sides and rub it in. Turn on 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot to sauté setting. Pour oil into the bottom of the insert.
- Once the Instant Pot shows “Hot”, start adding in the ribs (two at a time) and brown each side (about 3-4 minutes per side.)
- Remove browned ribs, set aside and continue browning the rest of the ribs. Add in additional oil, if necessary.
If adding rice (optional):
- You’ll need a small, round, heat-safe, pressure-safe insert that fits into your Instant Pot. I am using one of my springform inserts that I lined with nonstick aluminum foil so it doesn’t leak. If using long grain rice, you need to rinse it until the water runs clear. Pour in water and rice into insert and gently stir.
To assemble:
- Once all the ribs are browned, turn off the Instant Pot. Carefully remove any excess oil from the bottom of the insert. Then place all the ribs into the bottom of the pot. Pour half the bottle of Korean BBQ sauce over the top of the ribs.
- If just cooking ribs alone, skip this step. Otherwise, place rice insert right on top of ribs. Make sure there is enough room around the sides of the insert or the Instant Pot won’t come to pressure.
To pressure cook:
- Cover Instant Pot and make sure lid is in locked position. Turn the valve on the top to “Sealing.”
- Press the “Pressure Cook” button, high pressure, and set for 25 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure. After it has finished cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.
- Then switch the valve to “venting” to release the rest of the pressure. The float valve will drop, letting you know it is safe to open the lid.
- The rice should be perfectly cooked. Just fluff it with a fork. It will be slightly orange because of the BBQ sauce that has made its way to the top of the pot from the steam.
- Carefully remove the insert (careful, it’s super hot.)
Final step (optional):
- Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil. Carefully place ribs onto sheet. Turn on your oven to the high “Broil” setting.
- Pour the rest of the Korean BBQ sauce over the ribs. Making sure they are coated well.
- Place the baking sheet directly under the broiler for a couple of minutes (sauce will be bubbly on top.)
- Serve with rice and top with sliced green onion.
Video
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 70g
| Protein: 37g
| Fat: 25g
| Sodium: 5461mg
| Sugar: 27g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!